Why Are So Many Root Canals Declined? Hint: It’s Not Just Fear…

August 03, 2025
Topics: Dental
Written by: Lisa Rasmussen

Let’s start with a nasty little secret in dentistry: According to the ADA, over 15 million root canals are performed annually in the US—but estimates say just as many needed root canals are never scheduled because patients balk at cost, fear, or “let me think about it” land. Yikes. That’s a mountain of lost revenue and, more importantly, untreated dental disease.

But here’s the kicker: Getting clear, enthusiastic patient consent isn’t just about a signature on a form. It’s about removing obstacles—financial, emotional, and practical. And that, my friend, is where the membership model explodes traditional barriers and creates a win-win for both patients and your practice.


Story: Root Canals, Consent, and the Magic of Membership

Let’s get real. The “consent for root canal treatment” process can feel like legalese meets torture script:

  • Scare the patient (but legally).

  • Hand them a multi-page document.

  • Hope they sign and don’t run for the hills.

Sound familiar? Now imagine the same scenario, but the patient is a member of your in-house plan. They’re used to predictable, discounted, and transparent pricing. They know your team. Their trust level is through the roof. Instead of “Can I afford this?” they’re thinking, “Let’s get this done!”

BoomCloud™ users see this play out every single day. Membership patients are statistically 2X to 4X more likely to say yes to recommended treatment (root canals included) versus non-member patients. Why? Because membership programs build what every practice dreams of: Loyalty, predictability, and a tribe of raving fans who come back and refer their friends.

“Our AR (annual recurring revenue) from memberships has grown 5X since launching BoomCloud™. Our MRR (monthly recurring revenue) pays our rent, and our root canal acceptance rates have never been higher.”

— Dr. Susan P., BoomCloud™ Practice Case Study


Membership Programs Turn Patients Into Lifetime Fans

Let’s walk the “epiphany bridge” so you (and your team) see why this works:

  1. Traditional Consent:

    • Patient is anxious.

    • Price is unpredictable.

    • Consent is just a signature, not a commitment.

    • Result: “I’ll call you if I decide to schedule.”

  2. BoomCloud™ Membership Consent:

    • Patient feels like a VIP (because they are).

    • Knows their discount ahead of time.

    • Sees value in long-term oral health.

    • Result: “I trust you. Let’s book it!”

The Data Doesn’t Lie

  • Membership patients spend 2X to 4X more per year than non-members.

  • BoomCloud™ users see up to a 65% increase in case acceptance rates for major treatments.

  • Practices with a strong membership base have a 35% higher patient retention rate and consistently higher reviews online.

That’s not just good business—it’s the best path to scaling your practice’s MRR and ARR. In plain English: Membership programs give you a financial safety net and a marketing engine in one.


Stop Letting Root Canal Revenue Slip Away

Here’s where we break it down—practical steps you can steal (seriously, swipe them!) to make sure you get enthusiastic, compliant consent for root canals and create lifetime patient value.

Bullet List: How To Turn Root Canal Consent Into Revenue (With Membership)

  • Upgrade Your Consent Process:
    Use easy-to-understand language, digital forms, and real patient education.

  • Offer Membership Options Right at the Point of Care:
    “Mrs. Smith, if you’re a member, your root canal is $X less, and your aftercare is included.” Boom—objection handled.

  • Automate Payments and Reminders:
    Take the awkwardness out of financial conversations by using automated billing and reminders. (Hello, MRR!)

  • Track Case Acceptance Stats in BoomCloud™:
    See exactly how many more patients say “yes” after joining your membership plan.

  • Train Your Team to Build Value Around Membership:
    From front desk to hygienist, everyone should know the “membership pitch” cold.

  • Celebrate Membership Wins:
    Share stories, reviews, and testimonials from happy patients who got the care they needed because of your membership plan.


Case Study: Scaling a Practice with BoomCloud™

Let’s talk numbers, because Jordon Comstock loves a good stat.

Practice: Urban Smiles Dental

  • Before BoomCloud™: 7% of patients on in-house plan, low recurring revenue, root canal case acceptance at 36%.

  • After BoomCloud™: 28% of patients on membership, $14k/month MRR, root canal acceptance up to 62%, overall patient value up 3.5X.

“BoomCloud™ let us offer root canal consent as a benefit, not a burden. Our members are more loyal, refer more, and accept treatment at rates I never thought possible.” — Dr. C. Martinez


The Big Picture: Optimizing Revenue Per Patient Is the Best Way to Grow

Let’s face it—acquisition is expensive. Retention is gold. The #1 lever for fast, profitable growth? Increase revenue per patient (RPP). How? Membership programs. Patients on a membership plan:

  • Show up for more appointments.

  • Say yes to more comprehensive treatment.

  • Generate predictable monthly and annual recurring revenue.

  • Refer their friends and family (because they love the experience).

Here’s a wild stat: The average dental practice collects only 60% of production potential. Imagine if you doubled or even tripled your RPP with a robust, automated membership program—like BoomCloud™.

Final Takeaway: Want More Root Canal Revenue? Build the Bridge with Membership.

Root canals will always be a tough sell—unless your patients are primed, educated, and enrolled in a membership plan that makes them feel like dental VIPs. Stop leaving money (and patient health) on the table.

Ready to turn “consent for root canal treatment” into your practice’s new profit center?


Helpful Links & Resources

  • Download the Million-Dollar Membership Plan eBook
    Get it now

  • Take the Six-Figure Patient Membership Plan Course
    Join here

  • Schedule a Demo of BoomCloud™
    Book a demo

  • Create Your BoomCloud™ Account for FREE
    Sign up here


My Top Podcasts

How Smart Practice Owners Attract, Retain & Create Recurring Revenue

Get the book that’s helping over 65,000  practices ditch insurance, boost cash flow, and create financial freedom with a patient membership program.

Membership Plans For Optometrists

vision-membership-plan-ebook Creating a patient membership plan is the smartest strategy to implement in your practice. You will increase patient satisfaction & loyalty, Increase predictable recurring revenue & increase sales!

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Say goodbye to PPOs and hello to a thriving, independent dental practice. Don’t miss out – your journey to financial freedom starts here!

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Jordon Comstock

Author Bio

Jordon Comstock is the Founder & CEO of BoomCloud™, a software that allows practice, clinic & spa owners to build, manage and scale a membership program. This helps practice & clinic owners to create recurring revenue & improve loyalty via membership programs. Jordon is passionate about Music, Hawaii, Healthcare businesses like: dentistry, optometry, med spas and massage spas. Schedule a demo of BoomCloud™ and learn how membership programs can improve your business. Here are more dental books to improve your practice

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